Show Your Independence
Tomorrow kicks off a big racing weekend. If you're not going camping or boating or having a family reunion of sorts - then maybe take in some racing this weekend.
I intend to spend part of Saturday at Churchill Downs watching my friend Jordan ride in support of her double back breaking comeback - and in support of racing. She already won one her first day back last Friday! That's passion.
There are over 65 stakes, according to Thoroughbred Times, being run Friday through Sunday at tracks all across the country including 16 Graded stakes. It's usually an extras weekend with give aways and such at many tracks. Even if there is no big (or little) stakes action - you can be guaranteed a fun time at any of the 52 tracks listed on the Daily Racing Form site that are open at least one of the days for racing. That number includes a few in Canada - but they like us there right (still right?) Just remember - if you intended on going to Ellis Park this weekend - they are not opening and most likely won't open.
Someone buy and keep it racing before it becomes yet another track that now is a subdivision (like we need more ugly cookie cutter houses in America).
So grab a friend, relative or even an in-law (because most tracks have alcohol) and see a race or two in honor of this great nation. Have fun whatever you do - and be safe.
The Salt of Pepper
“I have enjoyed every moment of the development of the farm, bringing Swiss Yodeler here to start his career, and watching everything evolve into the Pepper Oaks of today,” Youngman said in a statement. “My decision to shut down the farm does not diminish my love of horses and racing, and I will likely continue to race one or two horses.
“However, the current problems within the industry and its failure to do more to enhance its position in the marketplace along with the lack of vision and unity required by its current leaders in all areas to ensure a bright future for the sport, leave me saddened and concerned as a business owner.
“I hope racing can find its way and regain its position as a leading sport and entertainment alternative for fans and families.”
Youngman said she will focus her attention on other business interests and administering philanthropic endeavors. There was no immediate word on what the farm’s plans are for Swiss Yodeler.
I find this a little more than disturbing. Maybe there is more to it than I know. I also don't live in California - probably won't anytime soon either (even though I do love their tv ads and we all know happy cows don't really come from there). I do try to pay attention to what is going on all over this country with our industry however it isn't always in the front of my mind (if only you knew all that was in my mind) to know what's up everywhere.
So with this news and even the economy - I wonder if this will be a trend across California, or even the rest of the nation? California has had plenty of problems - and I'm not just talking about racing and breeding of horses. I mean if 8% of our Starbucks are closing - can all the horse farms keep going? That was meant to be somewhat smart ass.
I'm sure that if Pamela Anderson (once a favorite b-rate actress of mine - now not even on my D-List - not a cup size reference) heard that Pepper Oaks was closing - she and the other PETA freaks would be having a party. We - as more realistic people with sense of intelligence - or even actual intelligence can't celebrate the end of a farm.
I'll end today with a thought that has been hitting at me for a while. Every major industry that uses television and internet to promote uses a celebrity. Wait - a real celebrity. If PETA can get Pamela Anderson to travel all around the world bad mouthing Jessica Simpson for eating meat (shut up) - why can't we get a celebrity - with real acting or singing cred to promote us? Someone respected. Make sure they aren't someone like Alyssa Milano (am a fan but could drop that soon) who participates in horse racing as an owner (follow that link and do a Ctrl F for her name and see her posing with one of her co-owned yearlings ) and also models in ads for PETA covered in lettuce.
We can't use Bo Derek - though she knows her uh stuff (almost went there) when it comes to every aspect of this industry - because if you are under 30 - most likely you don't know her. Maybe we can get someone like Amy Winehouse. I kid - I joke.
Who do we get so we promote the sport and the industry before we have another Pepper Oaks announcement?
What Those That Fight Us Will Never Get
Imagine being 9-years-old and you lost your eyesight years ago due to an illness/disease that you were born with. Imagine that. Think about not being able to do anything you do currently - in the same style you do it. I think about being nearly 39 - and imagine that basically 30 years ago I'm his age. (I cannot believe I'm admitting my age). I might not have wanted to play football, basketball, baseball, etc. - or even cared about watching those sports. He doesn't have a choice.
I'm not at all trying to depress you - actually I'm gonna take this the opposite direction. He is happier blind and not perfectly healthy than most of the people I know - that have both gifts easy and free. He learned to ride through a handicapped riding program and is a different person on the back of a horse. His name is Pat and though I'm only getting my information from the ESPN piece - I am full of wonder about him.
He is naturally a horseman. You can see it as he touches Smarty Jones. He is a lively kid - which alone amazes me - but when he is near the horses he is calm and relaxed and as his mother says "focused." I watched him petting one of Smarty's foals - and he instinctively found the head without frightening the foal and placed his hand gently across its face.
So imagine that you are that same boy - and there are no horses to ride because of PETA's ignorance and lack of intelligence. Imagine that you are that same boy - and there was no Smarty Jones because racing couldn't get it's act together to ensure a future. Imagine you are that same boy and you didn't get to ever be around the one thing that makes you whole?
It's no longer just about money, jobs, fans and fanfare - it's about so much more. If you don't get that - you won't get that.
When They Go - Where Will You Go?
It's simple and so simple it's probably crazy. How about everyone that actually has something to lose get up and do something?
Go read this Phil Sheridan article and when you get to the end you'll find these last two paragraphs:
"The feel-good stories of Smarty Jones and Afleet Alex seem like ancient history, about as relevant as Seabiscuit.
It is often said that no one will eat sausage after seeing it made. Horse racing's problem is that no one realized until recently that it has been making sausage all along."
This is how we are viewed more and more every day.
You see - the more things that happen that come across as negative - or simply are negative - the more chance we have at losing one more fan. I shouldn't even have to explain this - because it should be evident to anyone with a lick of common sense:
Fans with regular salaries spend money on programs, food, racing forms, wagers, alcohol, memorabilia.
Fans with irregular salaries (meaning - they make an ass load of money) spend money on programs, food, racing forms, wagers, alcohol, memorabilia, weanlings, yearlings, 2yos, racehorses, mares and invest in racing partnerships.
Fans that enjoy doing all the above bring their coworkers, families, friends, associates and business partners who spend money on programs, food, racing forms, wagers, alcohol, memorabilia. Sometimes those invitees end up investing their money in weanlings, yearlings, 2yos, racehorses, mares and invest in racing partnerships.
Remember that saying that I can't remember exactly and am not even going to Google to find but it's something like a happy customer returns, an unhappy customer tells 10 people and those 10 people tell 10 people and so on and then you're out of business.
Well when you're on a National level and every media outlet that isn't Thoroughbred Times, BloodHorse, Daily Racing Form and Thoroughbred Daily News is telling everyone daily how awful you are - what do you think that does?
I know that NOTHING that is going on in our sport is fixed over night. It's not like we just pull all the Barbie's and remove the toxic hair and replace it. It's a living breathing animal not a toy.
So if the fans leave - I'm sure I'll still be cheering on a horse somewhere, somehow. You can't take that away from me. However if I'm working at K-mart somewhere not in Kentucky because they left and because they paved over the Bluegrass to make a parking lot for Ohio - then I'll be pissed about it. At least I will be able to say that I tried to make a difference - if only by using my voice (or my typing skills) and taking on PETA that one day in May, 2007.
I honestly don't think that will happen - and you?
What Are We Supposed to Think?
All that above is great and keeps me going but I swear I find it hard to support 24/7.
What are we who have grown up in this sport supposed to think when someone releases a statement that they are going drug free? Before you get on the attack (and I've had enough of that crap from people on other subjects this week, believe me) and say it's a great thing - listen (well read - since I'm not talking out loud).
First off - if you announce you're going drug free by October 1st (my birthday - thanks for the gift) you have admitted that you're not drug free now. We all know Big Brown and all Dutrow trainees are given Winstrol monthly (or so they said then changed then whatever). So as a friend and I discussed - is this a preemptive release for the 2008 Breeders' Cup? Is this a we'll try to win the Haskell cracked out but won't actually run in the BC Classic because we will be without drugs? or Maybe, just maybe it's the "we have our excuse" now if he doesn't run well in the BC Classic?
Here is where my issue lies - instead of where lies are issued. I'm guessing that a large percentage of horses out there run on something. Whether it be legal or not. I mean this is America right? Everyday I see a new Walgreen's or Rite Aid or CVS Pharmacy being built on any given corner in Lexington. I know that 90% of my friends and family are taking medication for something that ails them. I know that probably 75% of them don't need it but do it because they were told it's good for them. So why would we be ignorant enough to think that people weren't giving whatever to those that carry the banner for our sport? I know that most of the people I've known (self included) that have been prescribed an anti-depressant or a sleep aid would have been best served if told to get off their lazy ass and exercise instead.
I'm not naive (sometimes I try to be but I don't pull it off well). I know that it's been going on for a long time. I know that there are plenty out there with a win however mentality. But - that type of mentality has helped put us where we are right now in June of 2008. Questioning the quality of a damn good race horse in Big Brown. If you've been around any level of race horse at any age - foal to revamped retiree - you have to see the obvious that it is hard to get a horse to the track much less to the winner's circle. NOT because we are cruel and pushing them to do things they shouldn't (before any of you PETArds get on the bandwagon and act stupid again) but because it's not just run down the stretch and you're a winner. Getting a foal on the ground is hard. Winning a race is harder. Winning the Kentucky Derby is only done ONCE a year - and though people like to say it's the lucky horse that wins - it's also a damn good horse that wins. So - whatever may have enhanced Big Brown - isn't all there is to him. But wouldn't it have been nice to know that nothing did? We'll never know that about him. Never.
So what are we - wait - what am I supposed to think? Do I question every person I know in the game? Do I wonder if they are good people but they have to do what they can to survive and win? Then does that really truly make them good people? When you own your own business within the industry and you want to see it grow, prosper, become a force. When you have spent all of your life obsessed within horse racing to the point that people think you have a sickness (and I'm not talking gambling yo). When you have made the skin on your back a colorful shroud dedicated to horse racing. What are you supposed to think when the one person/group that has been under attack all Spring and Summer is the first person to make a commitment to drug free racing? Why haven't we heard that from ANYONE ever?
I questioned the authenticity and the actuality of the IEAH statement yesterday. Today I question why they are the only ones to actually say it.
Give me some feedback - because I'm in disbelief right now.
It's Not My Job - Yes It Is
AP story
I recently read the two above somewhat different articles based on the Report of Racetrack Injuries. With RIGHT NOW being really critical for our sport and our livelihoods (let us not forget the number of people that make a living and support their families or selves in this industry) I find it wildly amazing and ridiculous that if I Google Report of Racetrack Injuries (without quotes btw) there are about 449,000 articles or web pages with information. I'm sure when you get to the further pages (10 per page for me) that the story is unrelated to what we are talking about.
The amazing and ridiculous part? Glad you asked. This story actually came out at Thoroughbredtimes.com and out on BloodHorse.com on April 10th this year. Since then we have had a so much thrown at us and some of it might be warranted. Some of it is not at all - but that is what happens when people that don't know - try to talk. Where I'm having the problem is that we seem to be sitting on some sort of time bomb here and there are so many that can help diffuse it - but I guess since we've seen so many Hollywood movies where the hero stops the impending doom at 1 or 2 seconds - in the nick of time.
I see that many of us think that a great racehorse will make all the difference in the world. And that is so 1973. That horse helped beyond words. It was nice to get something positive back then (I was only 4 so I'm guessing and relating from others). However, back then the Internet was still 7 years from a beginning process. So we had CBS, ABC, NBC and maybe PBS. Not to mention the daily newspaper. But that is it. So we couldn't get online or get a text that tells us CNN Breaking News or TDN News alerts. We had to wait sometimes days for "breaking news" depending on where we lived. Of course a great horse who was going to save the day.
I hear it year after year that a Triple Crown winner will "save Thoroughbred racing." That's cute and all but the horse just goes out and runs people for fun. They don't make the rules, they don't right the laws, they don't know that our future is in their hooves. Now don't think I'm going PETA stupidity on you with that because I know they love it. What I'm saying is - we cannot wait for Big Brown to come back later in the year to save our sport. We cannot wait for Curlin (btw - saw him run in person for the first time in the Stephen Foster H. this weekend at Churchill and I was without words) to possibly run in the Arc in France in October to save our sport.
We have waited for 30 years for a Triple Crown winner. We could very well never seen one again. Look at other major racing countries:
England: Not since 1970 - Nijinsky II
Ireland: Only 2 winners ever
Canada: well thankfully they had Wando in 2003 - but they only have 7 total
Waiting on a historical moment is liking waiting on a politician to do what's right all the way through there time in office. Whatever political affiliation you might belong to - you know that it's rare. The industry has been looking for a shot in the arm for 30 years, but no one has bothered to see what was put in the syringe.
My thoughts? Glad you asked again. I think we'll have some answers of some sort after the Congressional Hearings this week. I hope they are answers we might want. You see - time goes by and the majority of the people that can benefit from good press, good racing and the positive future of the industry itself never speak. It's so much the American way of course - to hope that someone in charge will handle it. It's the It's Not my Job syndrome. Where everyone does what would be only on their job description and nothing more. I learned long ago from a great woman who told me "you do a good job at your job - but you do nothing else." That hurt my feelings because my (at the time crazy mental) personal views of myself were that I was outstanding at everything. But I was just one of those people that just did their job.
Those same people expect a great raise at evaluation time and they expect a bonus and a promotion. For what? for doing your job? That is like a server at ANY restaurant expecting my usual 25% tip because they remembered to bring my food or fill my drink. Sorry all you did was your job. No extra tip here. Even if you were attractive.
We cannot just expect the NTRA and Alex Waldrop to do everything for us but we can began being more wise about what is actually coming to a head here. Everyone should at the very least - be doing their job and not just collecting their pay check - or tip. If you expect more when the time comes - you should have done more.
The First Time a Story of Vanity and Stupidity
You know from the last paragraph in The Topper entry that I have been severely into this business since before I was born. (if not - go read that paragraph and come back.)
All I ever wanted as a kid was to win a horse race. For many years I thought that would be as a jockey. If you know me closely you know that is frickin hilarious because I do not ride anymore. Not to mention of those people living on earth - only maybe 5-6 people have ever seen it happen - the last time in 1994. No I was never injured - I was never thrown and I was never afraid. That last NEVER causes me to think I'll be killed or worse - severely maimed one day. I wasn't very comfortable on the back of a horse. I'm so much better on the ground.
Anyway, for years people would ask that stupid question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" - I think that question is silly because those of us that don't ever grow up - never really know. But we'll dabble in a lot. I always said "a jockey," and my Dad would roll his eyes. I answered with Jockey for the last time during a trip to Sunland Park, NM. I think it was me and my Dad a good friend of his who had a horse running. We had dinner after the races at some place in El Paso, TX and I saw a little man with a giant creepily expanded chest that was probably 140 years old or 60. I asked our friend "what's wrong with him?" (being a kid of my parents at least I knew the difference between inside voice and outside voice so I did not offend him). The answer was "nothing, he's an old former cowboy/jockey."
That was it - I didn't need know what accident messed his body up - I knew that I didn't want to replicate it on my body. So then the new answer to the grow up question became "a vet" - which I had to change to "a veterinarian" because in our area there were maybe 5 vets at the time and when you said vet people thought military and I'd freak out because there was no way in hell I'd be shaving my head (do you know that I'm completely bald now? - all over via razor not lack of hair, well not complete lack of hair).
I learned all I could about what vets do - by looking in books at school really - not like I asked a vet. Then one day while giving my answer to someone at the track - they said, "oh well you can take care of all of us with all your money. Bill, I didn't know a kid of yours was smart enough to go through 8 years of college." First off - my Dad was smart and they were just being a smart ass. Second off - all 3 of his kids are smart and not a one was going to 8 years of college to prove it. Especially this one.
I was already tired of school and I wasn't even in the 8th grade yet. I kept thinking all day that day "I have 5 more years left of this crap and then 8 more years before I can start my life. I'll be old and it won't matter anymore." Old - 8 years after high school. I've been out more than 20 years now - and I have yet to reach old (if you think differently do not burst my bubble, keep it to yourself.)
My Dad then started asking me what I was going to do after school? What was I going to be when I grew up? If I didn't figure something out I might as well buy myself a lunch pale and go to work in the oil filed like him. I didn't see anything wrong with what he did. He was well respected and worked hard, made lots of money (I thought) and was happy. Not to mention on the side he was the Mayor of our town. I mean - that was everything right? No it wasn't apparently but when you suddenly have lost your ambition to be "something" when you grow up - Dad's life didn't look too bad.
Sometime by 8th grade I got my first horse that I mentioned before in one of the I Had No Idea entries. She was the world to me and I knew she would win the All-American Futurity. I had so much hope in that filly that I didn't realize there was luck, money, luck, ability and some luck involved in getting a horse to any race - much less that race. I was not to be denied (I was just in case you're trying to figure out which horse I won it with - I haven't yet). I spent all my time in class daydreaming of her name being called across the wire. I'm surprised I didn't go so far as to jump up and scream or cry or like Walter Matthau in Casey's Shadow "pee my pants" and then in trouble.
I managed to keep my grades up somewhat while waisting my time away planning Risky's career. Needless to say - she went to the track in Sunland and was very talented and never raced. She got some strange illness that basically came via hay from Mexico or beetles from Mexican hay or something. It caused her to not be able to breathe which is, according to anyone with brain, important when racing. One must breathe. I was devastated. My dreams were shot and now I'm in high school with no shot of having wealth and happiness from horse racing by the time I graduate. Oh god I'll have to work.
Risky had 2 foals for me - one was a mentally disabled psychotic filly named Blizzard Control. She was small 15.2 (small to me because for a QH Risky was big 16 hands) and she was fast and she was hateful from birth. I loved her. She didn't even care that I loved her. That's how mean she was. She was just like that girl with the curl in the middle of her forehead - HORRID. She made it all the way to her first "official" workout at The Downs at Albuquerque. Where she flipped in the gate after throwing the jockey out and very nearly destroyed the filly working with her.
I'm supporting this spawn of evil with my retail job that paid $4.80 an hour. No seriously and stop your laughing because I thought for sure as mean as this filly was she would outrun everything just to be able to make them feel shame and embarrassment. That workout ended it for her. I took her home and thought well maybe her sister - a year younger would be the one. I was sick of retail and didn't want to follow in my Dad's footsteps after all.
Her name was Nasty (actually it was Whathaveyoudoneforme) but I called her Nasty because Baby sounded stupid and What was even more stupid. All this due to Janet Jackson's album that came out when my high school mind was planning the matings to get these fillies. When Nasty was born in 1988 she had the worst legs I've ever seen on any horse. When I saw them - I thought it was the end for me and this horse world. Basically the reasoning was because she was huge. I don't really know why because she came from a long line (top and bottom) of regular everyday Quarter horses. Risky was a big mare - but Nasty topped out at 17 hands and 1400 lbs (that's after racing - don't get all freaked out). Thank goodness she was the kind and sweet - and not like her older sister of Satan.
I wondered if like most huge horses she would not be quick enough to run with the littler - and more normal body types. I wondered if she was destined to be an 870 yard runner. In her first start she was all over the place but still managed to finish 3rd in a 350 yard at San Juan Downs. I was able to get off work to go watch. I had to clock out and everything! I was on a giant cloud. My first horse to finally race - and she finished 3rd. 3RD. I mean that's so awesome. I could barely contain myself all the way back to the store to clock back in and work.
Her next few starts weren't so impressive and I wondered if maybe she was just luck the first out. But I could see she had talent. Her 5th start was on August 25th, 1990. It was a Saturday and I was off work. I picked up my cousin and my friend and met my parents and my grandmother at the track. As usual - I was near vomiting ever moment of the day. My Dad would say "you better never have a Thoroughbred because you don't breathe during the race - you just yell and nearly blackout." I tried to have a beer to calm my nerves (that does NOT work). I wasn't legal yet either. I was just months away.
It was ESPN day at the track. They had come via invitation because San Juan Downs was pretty new really and the marketing/publicity lady knew someone who knew Chris Lincoln or something and he was supposed to come. I wondered if my giant QH filly would be on ESPN.
They loaded them in the gate. I can still hear the announcer (mostly because I have played that video over and over). "And their they goooooooo" in a gruff happy voice. I loved that announcer. Nasty broke on top and I could hear cheers and a voice coming out of my body yelling "Come On Nasty." My cousin cheering along with me. People looking at us like we were weird because there's nothing in the program that rhymes with Nasty. "..and Speeding up along the inside is Whathaveyoudoneforme and Flo Jo 1988, Whathaveyoudoneformeeeeeeeee in front!" - I didn't cry or pee my pants. I jumped up and down hugging my cousin and looking for my parents who both hugged me. I finally knew what it was like to win a race and it was with a horse I bred and raised. We took the win picture - which is blown up bigger than life in my office. We didn't get on ESPN and I actually didn't even remember that they were there. I was beyond ecstatic - I still am reliving it in my head.
So yes, I had to keep my day job and I'm glad I did. It taught me a lot of what I ended up needing down the road. I ended up not going to college but I didn't work in the oil field either. I came here to Lexington and shaved my head.
You want to know what surprises most people - I was that happy for winning a $1200 maiden special weight. Meaning - I got $720. I thought to myself - the way I felt at that moment had her mother won the All American Futurity - I would have died on the spot. So I was spared! Nasty went on to win one more time for me as a 3-year-old (a $1600 allowance y'all). The best feeling ever. I can still watch the videos and feel how I did then.
And that is why we do this.
Innovative Ideas
First off - not alienating half of the planets human inhabitants would be wise. Women worked really hard to gain some recognition as being more than just breeders and cooks - a long time ago in fact. Remember that bra burning segment of American history? Remember Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman?" - Well that was done for a reason. When groups get together and plan days like Ladies Day - where they change the name of the Breeders' Cup Distaff to the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic - they ruin the history of a race and actually - it's not even right to call it a classic when it's not run at a classic distance.
When you move all the races for female Thoroughbreds to the day before the "big day" then you just said without even saying it "you're lesser than the boys, again, so you get your own day." Why not have a race where only female jockeys ride and make them where only bras and panties - and they can carry pink whips and have on stilettos instead of boots? Now were onto something.
Yes - I am being a smart ass but that is what Ladies Day comes across as to most women and some men (the ones that aren't afraid to be included with the opposite sex). Remember when the Breeders' Cup ruined the original set up and put all the "lesser" races first - moving the Juvenile to the race before the Turf - meaning two from the Classic? Well that didn't work for the viewing public either. It might have worked for a handful of men but not for the rest of us.
Here is what should happen - come up with a plan that does NOT alienate anyone. Obviously not everyone can be run at the same time and someone always has to be first - but in this day and age when we are trying to do everything we can to hold on to what we got, improve it and stop some of the bad press - you cannot think it wise to divide the sexes in this manner.
A friend of mine once said to me that after all the work women have done (and men) to show equality between the sexes having a race with only female jockeys sets us back. I agree. The Ladies Day card idea is a similar set back. Last year's Breeders' Cup card of Friday with the new races and Saturday with the original was a better idea. I'm sure they are trying to make the new races important to everyone - well with the purses - they are important ok?
Why not come up with ideas that actually make use want to NOT miss the entire weekend? Why not focus on a campaign that highlights the quality of runners that will show up for those two amazing days? As I watched Nashville Star (I'm a reality sucker - and an even bigger talent show sucker) I saw some great commercials for the 2008 Olympics - and they don't even know who will qualify in the Olympic trials, yet they are already reminding me when the event will be - and when the U.S. trials are to take place. Why not do some real campaigning for our sport - because it actually helps everyone.
What's wrong with some sponsorship? I doubt we'll seen Trojan Condoms or Massengill Douche plastered on the butt of a pair of jockey pants. What is crazy to me is - that the jockey is the biggest risk taker in the game. Don't tell me about your financial risk - you have the money with which to do it. I'm talking about the risk of life and limb. Things we as fans, owners, trainers, breeders, etc. don't risk in the game. Why shouldn't they make a little extra cash - and promote themselves? If I have to see one more NFL football player pushing Campbell's Soup (and seriously - you think they eat it?) why can't I see a Hooter logo on Kent's leg? In the grand scheme of things - this is how the world is moving. Just look at all the websites, daily newsletters, etc.? There is a lot of sponsorship going on there. Because it generates revenue for the originator and publicity for the sponsor.
Remember when we had sponsors for races? I know we still do - and I get real tired of seeing the name of a historic race destroyed by that of a not so flattering sponsor name - but if you ever look at a card of races at most tracks in England or Ireland - you will see sponsor names for even the maiden race on the card. Sponsors like Axminster Carpets and Manor Farm Meats. Yes, I know there are sponsors for every race at Keeneland - and their name may not be plastered anywhere but the racing program - but that's all you need. The use of the jockey's pants for some logos - is really not that big of a deal. It's not like you have to let them make it look like Tommy Lee's sleeved tattooed arms.
So - maybe SOMEONE out there with the power or authority or even the ear of someone that has such should get on the stick, brainstorm - and get some action going. Before it's time for the next possible Triple Crown winner - and I have to say all this again.
And Then There Were Still Eleven
First off - subscribe to my blog - you can do so at the bottom right hand side by entering your email into the box and clicking subscribe. I don't get a list of subscribers just a number - so you remain private. Only you know. It's really close to the magic number so that I can announce the contest to give away my Winning Colors Kentucky Tavern print.
I got up early Saturday to head to Keeneland with a friend to make our bets. Of course you know I bet on Denis of Cork - just really like that guy. I also placed bets on Macho Again and Guadalcanal (why not?). Our combined trifecta bet included Tale of Ekati and Big Brown - because our thoughts were that we can't not include him - though I felt there wasn't much reason to include him. You may think that crazy or even asinine but my thoughts were heavily becoming - that his connections had basically slapped karma in the face for 5 weeks running.
I left Keeneland for a little grocery shopping for snacks and alcohol for the day to entertain a few friends that would be by later for viewing the last leg of the Triple Crown. I arrived at home with above goodies and my lunch from Culver's (have you had their butter burger? It's better than any other fast food burger and). I sat down to enjoy my tasty non PETA friendly lunch in my leather flip-flops and commemorative Affirmed Belmont t-shirt I got in Saratoga a couple of years ago (and yes I had pants on - shorts actually) and watch the ESPN coverage of the Belmont under card.
I was pleased they showed races that weren't just stakes. I usually forgo coverage by ESPN, NBC, ABC any other BC to stick with TVG because I get tired of the corny and the basically non-entertaining (to me) coverage provided by any cable or regular networks. I usually put TVG on - mute the commentary and go about my day in the house and keeping my eye out for post time of the races. But today was different. I stopped TVG when ESPN came on knowing that there would be airing permission conflict - and not in the mood to deal with flipping back in forth. I wanted to hear it all this year. The year that I've told myself to watch as if I were still dying to be in the business. I want to feel like I did watching from my parents house in NM.
You might guess it's hard to get that feeling at 38 and being actually involved in the Thoroughbred Industry for going on 15 years this July (I cannot believe that it's been this long). It can be very hard but it can be done. It wasn't long into the telecast that I was nearly ready to just go back to mute and monitor. Not because of the ESPN crew - I honestly enjoyed them especially Rece Davis and Joe Tessitore. What was driving me nuts was Hank Goldberg (because he doesn't speak well for live TV - hasn't ever and is worse now and that kind of thing begins ruining the telecast) and the Big Brown crew. I had told myself - it's ok if Big Brown wins the Triple Crown. You don't have to say he's as good as Affirmed, Billy. He is far from that talent but it's ok to want a winner. Those words to myself went away when all the Dutrow and Iavarone comments, cockiness, lack of class and common sense began to be showed to me again.
When we switched from ESPN to ABC and I had to watch the same previously aired pieces from earlier in the day - plus they didn't bother to show the Manhattan S.-G1 (there were 3 Grade 1 races at Belmont on Saturday - one, the Acorn S. for 3-year-old fillies had 4 horses - they showed it on ESPN - and skipped the full field Manhattan on turf on ABC) - I was bitter and bitchy again.
I began thinking there is no way karma will let them win. If he does - I'll acknowledge it and think he must be so good that even karma in her infinite knowledge can't touch him. Maybe she is fully thinking - it's worth it if only for Kent Desormeaux' son who is reported to eventually lose his sight due to his unfortunate and simply unfair disease. That would be the only reason to grant the win.
The race went off and you all know what happened. Karma bitch slapped them all. People want to blame Kent for the ride. He's been blamed for PLENTY of rides in the past believe me. When they announced Big Brown was pulled up and the previously un-Grade 1 quality Da'Tara bounded away like a deer in a meadow - it was obvious to me that you do not mess (and yes I wanted to use a different more graphic word there) with karma - just like Mother Nature. I cheered on Denis of Cork to 2nd and didn't care that I was not going to cash a monster ticket with the favorite off the board. I saw the image of Big Brown being pulled up and could see that he was not in distress or lame - he was pissed off yes - but he was ok. I was happy.
So if you are one of those people questioning Saturday's supposed disappointment - just remember a few simple things.
1. If you are proud of something? Show your pride - not your ass.
2. If you think you are better than everyone that has ever gone your path in the past - be honored to be
included in that group - and keep your mouth shut.
3. If you are trying to be something you're not - and ANYONE can find out you're a liar. You
shouldn't have lied.
4. If you are on track for a monumental historic moment and all you can think to do is tell
everyone you are unbeatable - then you've already been beat.
And the last thing I'm going to say is - do not try to make yourself warm and fuzzy, caring and loving 6 weeks too late. Hire someone who knows how to clean you up. Congratulations to everyone who ran their horses on Saturday with class, professionalism and heart - the rest of you could learn something.
go sign the petition against the silly change in the Breeders' Cup card (re: Ladies Day) at Jessica Chapel)
The 140th Belmont Stakes
Well it's put up, shut up and/or make excuses time. The above link takes you to the past performances of this year's Belmont Stakes. A total of 9 contenders are entered to take on Big Brown. Below I'll tell you what I think about each entrant and their chances.
1. Big Brown. This week I have read stories galore from media markets all over our country. The majority that relate to Big Brown are more about the attitudes, practices, presents and past of his connections. That sells papers and get readers right? Right. I talk regularly with a very close friend who knows a little something about how to get the best story out there about your horse and his people. That isn't going on with Big Brown. There is always someone who wants to criticize and attack those on top. There always will be that someone but in this case - you have to admit that the On Tops haven't done anything to make their image warm and lovable. Not even lukewarm and almost likable. It's a shame - because Big Brown gets lost in the controversy. My thoughts for him winning are basically - it his race to lose. The excuses are already built in because of the feet and the supposed steroid - no steroid crap going around. He should be heads and tales, feet and shriveled testicles above the rest. It will be interesting to see the non politically correct names that will come about for his foals (maybe that's just my mind) if he ever sires any (I say that because he's inbred to infertility giants and with the admittance of Winstrol every month - he's possible to sire as many children as me - and I got none). If he wins - I'll be happy as hell for the horse and for Boundary - his sire. And take a look at his new sponsors. I'm all about sponsorship and endorsements - and I've even frequented a strip club or 7 but - Hooters is just tacky. I'm laughing about so much right now.
2. Guadalcanal. I'll say it again. Guadalcanal. Because he's not been on any radar - however, he's trained and owned by Fred Seitz - who knows his horses very well and knows what they are capable of doing. He received his first training win a few years back with a filly named May Night - getting her first win as well in the P. G. Johnson S. at Saratoga. So clearly his entering of this maiden in a stakes is not altogether crazy. It might be just right.
3. Macho Again. Me likey. I beat my hands senseless and screamed like Kim Basinger's best acting feat for this colt 3 weeks ago at Pimlico. That of course, caused me to be more out of breath standing still than Big Brown winning the Preakness. I'm so out of shape. Anyway, Macho Again worked his ass off to get 2nd - he was steadied during the race and he was 5-wide coming into the stretch. I'm not saying that caused him to not win - just saying that it doesn't help a brotha out.
4. Denis of Cork. Me likey a lot. He was one of my Derby picks - and yes he didn't win. But he was 3rd and he is now fresh. I love his sire Harlan's Holiday and I think he's going to really enjoy Belmont and the 1 1/2 miles.
5. Casino Drive. Oh my goodness. So his mother has produced the last 2 Belmont S. winners. She, Better Than Honour, is the dream mare. First foal was a Storm Cat filly named Teeming that won 3 of her 4 starts. Second foal was an unraced A.P. Indy filly (full to Rags to Riches) named Magnificent Honour. Watch for both of them as future pretty damn good broodmares. Third foal was Jazil - he won the Belmont (I rocked it!) in 2005. The son of Seeking the Gold didn't do much else - considering he's a Grade 1 winner - but he won the Belmont. Her fourth foal was Rags to Riches - the star offspring of this mare. The filly won 4 Grade 1 races - including the Belmont S. - where she dug in like Affirmed and didn't let Curlin by her. An historic moment - and simply a great race. So the next foal is Casino Drive - and he's running in the Belmont. I mean seriously - could you just love this mare? I would if she were mine. Casino Drive is by Mineshaft who has not lit the world on fire IMHO but this colt is pretty hot. Broke his maiden in February in Japan by 11 1/2 lengths - then shipped to the US and won the Peter Pan S. at Belmont (important) by 5 3/4 lengths. So - we are looking at so much history and a little bit a pressure for Saturday.
6. Da' Tara. He has run at Belmont and it was a 2nd in his first start. He seems to like going further only when the track is sloppy. He should have stayed home but he'll give a little run for a bit. He was beaten 23+ lengths by Big Brown in the Florida Derby - seriously.
7. Tale of Ekati. Was fourth in the Derby beaten 11 lengths. He too is fresh. He actually lost ground but held is position. However - that was 20 horses to deal with and he's 2 for 2 at Belmont.
8. Anak Nakal. I don't know why they are running him. At first I was excited then I remembered he's been off the board in all 4 starts this year. He was 7 wide in the Derby while finishing 7th by 15 lengths. Oh Anak Anak Anak. Or Anag Anag Anag? Hmmmm.
9. Ready's Echo. Very intriguing prospect. He was 3rd to Peter Pan to Casino Drive. I don't know that he wants to go this far - but he might because these days - horses get the distance because they are there.
10. Icabad Crane. Not Ichabod Crane the man - this is the horse. He did run a good 3rd in the Preakness and has a little better race record. However - he may seriously need Gunpowder (the horse of the real fictional character) to get him to the wire.
My personal thoughts (because I'm a personal thinker). I will not be upset if Big Brown wins the Triple Crown. I won't however honor him as I do the other 11 - at least not yet. I do hope he REALLY runs later this year. I suspect that to be a press release that will be subject to change. I will personally cheer on Macho Again and Denis of Cork. I may throw something tricky together when I bet to include Big Brown and Casino Drive - and maybe quite possibly the maiden.
Will we get that special historic moment on Saturday? We'll see, one thing that will happen for sure is that we will have a moment in time when we all were captured by yet another possible megastar.